Vanuatu has announced plans to sign a new policing agreement with China, raising concerns about the future of the Nakamal Agreement with Australia. This decision comes after Vanuatu's Police Minister Andrew Napuat met with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Beijing last Friday. The meeting occurred less than two weeks after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left Port Vila without finalizing the $500 million Nakamal Agreement.

China has already increased its support to Vanuatu's police force, providing equipment and training. Recently, Chinese police officers visited the island of Malekula, marking a significant step in their involvement. Minister Napuat stated that China will supply an additional 20 police motorcycles, 20 drones, and other equipment, including INTERPOL systems for international police communication. He emphasized that China's assistance focuses on Vanuatu's security priorities, which include climate change, transnational crime, cybercrime, traffic management, and general policing duties.

Vanuatu has established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements with several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, and Papua New Guinea. However, a formal MoU with China is still pending. Napuat expressed the desire to create a police MoU with China similar to those with other partners to enhance coordination in policing efforts.

In a statement, China confirmed that both ministers agreed to strengthen exchanges and enhance law enforcement capabilities. They aim to cooperate in combating transnational crimes, including fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, to advance the China-Vanuatu strategic partnership. This development is likely to raise alarms in Canberra, which has been working to strengthen its strategic position in the Pacific and limit China's influence in regional security.

Australia has consistently stated that China should not play a role in regional security, advocating that security assistance should come from the "Pacific family." However, Napuat clarified that the discussions regarding the policing agreement with China are separate from the Nakamal Agreement. He stated, "These [policing] MoUs are not the same as the Nakamal Security Agreement currently being negotiated between Vanuatu and Australia."

Concerns have been raised about the delay in signing the Nakamal Agreement, with some ministers expressing reservations about clauses that could restrict foreign investment in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure. Despite speculation, Vanuatu's government has denied that China pressured them not to sign the Nakamal Agreement. Government spokesperson Kiery Manassah called such suggestions "absurd" and an "insult to the collective wisdom of Vanuatu leaders."

While some diplomats claim that China has been working against the Nakamal Agreement, other officials in Vanuatu see no evidence of such interference. Napuat reiterated that Vanuatu seeks security and policing assistance from all international partners but will not act as a "proxy in a geopolitical game." He affirmed that Vanuatu's national interest is paramount and that the country will continue to exercise its sovereignty.

In addition, several Pacific ministers and officials attended the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, China, last week. Solomon Islands Police Minister Jimson Tanangada praised China's efforts to expand police training and support, highlighting the importance of this cooperation for both domestic and regional security.